Local News

Seven Schools Set to Compete in the Inter-School Chess Tournament Showdown

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2023

Editor

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports is all set to host the Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament, a battle of wits scheduled from December 12 to 13.

Seven schools, including Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, will engage in an intense competition for the coveted title of Chess Champion at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, highlighted the significance of chess in fostering critical thinking within a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education approach. She expressed enthusiasm, stating, “At Innovation Week 2023, we saw how the chess portion was a huge success, consistent from the previous year.

This year, the young men, specifically the seniors from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS), did not want to leave the chess station. From this, we anticipate the excitement of the Inter-Secondary School Tournament to be riveting and change the way, not only in reimagining education but also by adding to the landscape and culture of sports in the Territory.”

Dr. Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, voiced support for integrating chess into school curricula, emphasizing its value as a tool in the S.T.E.A.M. educational approach. She stated, “We have embraced chess as an invaluable tool in our S.T.E.A.M. approach as all children can benefit from learning the game.”

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe highlighted the 21st-century skills that playing chess builds. She explained, “Chess fits well with S.T.E.A.M. education because it addresses high order thinking skills, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.” Mrs. Crabbe added, “Chess allows children to focus, plan, think ahead, and even visualize moves in a structured and logical manner, as they must learn to adapt quickly after receiving an unexpected move, making them flexible and creative.”

The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, December 12, with participants registering and an opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. The initial rounds will follow. Day two, on Wednesday, December 13, will feature check-ins at 8:45 a.m., announcements, and subsequent rounds. The afternoon session will include the semi-finals and finals, culminating in the closing ceremony and awards presentation.

The public is invited to witness and support the schools and their players.

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.

Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:

Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
Barbados – Team Bimstars
Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss

The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.

Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.

Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!

For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.

LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.

The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.

Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.

The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.